Citizens' ferry board in formation; panel would advise state commission - Peninsula Daily News

By Jeff Chew
Peninsula Daily News

PORT TOWNSEND -- Washington State Transportation Commission members are in the process of forming a citizen-based advisory panel that will review and advise them on Washington State Ferries fare proposals and pricing policy.

"The feeling was that there needed to be some public or ferry advisory committee input into it," said Tim Caldwell, chairman of the Jefferson County Ferry Advisory Committee and a longtime advocate for both car and passenger ferry to Port Townsend and the county.

A 2.5 percent fare increase was approved by the commission in 2007, down from the original 4 percent proposed.

The purpose of the 10-member Ferry Fare and Pricing Policy Advisory Committee would be to review Washington State Ferries proposed tariff changes or modifications.


Advise commission

The panel would advise the commission "as to their viability, feasibility and impact on the community or riding public to assist the commission in its decision-making process," according to a draft of the plan to form the advisory committee.

The advisory committee would meet monthly.

As proposed, ferry advisory committee representatives would be appointed to the fares review committee, with eight ferry advisory committee members from Port Townsend, San Juan Island, Clinton, Kingston, Bainbridge, Bremerton, Southworth and Vashon Island.

The fares and policy advisory committee would report its findings to the Transportation Commission, said David Moseley, assistant transportation secretary for ferries and the governor's office.


Began process in May

The transportation commission chose to begin the process of forming the fares and policy panel during a May 21 meeting in Olympia.

"Some legislators have indicated that there is a perception that local elected officials do not participate in Washington State Ferries issues," the draft proposal states.

"The fact that the elected officials appoint qualified personnel they feel represent the community interests and communicate with them regularly should mitigate that concern."


Other members

Besides Caldwell, appointed members to the Jefferson County Ferry Advisory Committee are residents Tim Snider and Tom Thiersch and city Planning Director Rick Sepler.

Jefferson County commissioners made the appointments.

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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@ peninsuladailynews.com.

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